The Age of Innocence, Part XXXI summary
Part XXXI of 34 · Book 2 · 16 min to read the part
In XXXI, Archer learns that Ellen Olenska intends to stay with her grandmother, meets her privately at the museum, and secures her agreement to come to him once. Their decision conflicts with her determination not to hurt others, while May’s account of a conversation with Ellen briefly brings Archer close to confession.
What happens
- Ellen’s decision to stay with her grandmother disrupts Archer’s plan to follow her away and leave May a decisive note.
- Outside the Beaufort house, Archer meets Ellen and insists on a private appointment at the museum.
- At the museum, Ellen admits she stays in New York partly to prevent Archer from following her to Washington.
- Ellen offers to come to Archer once before returning to her husband, and agrees to meet the day after tomorrow.
- At home, Archer nearly confides in May, but her criticism of Ellen stops him; May then embraces him.
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In this part
What to notice
Ellen explains that distance protects others, not merely herself. Her plea exposes the conflict between their love and the ordinary deceptions of an affair.
Quick check
What does Ellen propose doing after coming to Archer once?
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